Earthquakes release Garza, Neil and Sofia

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes have released midfielder Sam Garza, defender Ryan Neil and defender Joe Sofia. Per league and team policy, terms of the release were not disclosed.

Garza, 24, was a first round pick (No. 6 overall) in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft as a Generation Adidas player. Garza made five appearances during the 2013 MLS regular season, each off the bench. During the 2014 MLS season, Garza was loaned to San Antonio Scorpions of the NASL, returning from loan on May 12. Garza made his lone season appearance as a substitute in Seattle against the Seattle Sounders F.C. on May 17.

Sofia, 22, was a second-round pick (No. 28 overall) of the Earthquakes in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Sofia made his only appearance with the Quakes as a 71st minute substitute in a 2-0 win against Sacramento Republic FC on March 5 in Turlock.

Neil, 22, was a first-round pick (No. 18 overall) of Real Salt Lake in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, but was not signed. Neil also made his lone appearance with the Quakes as a 71st minute substitute in a 2-0 win against Sacramento Republic FC on March 5 in Turlock.